Kutztown Lion Michael Fischer named Melvin Jones Fellow

Kutztown Lions Club member Michael J. Fischer has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Clubs International Foundation in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community.

“It’s truly an honor to win this distinguished award from the Lions Clubs International Foundation,” Fischer told The Patriot. “Their commitment to serving the world community continues to reach thousands of people in need far and wide everyday.”

Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, Fischer said, “This is the highest award a Lion member can receive from the foundation. It distinguishes the fellow award winner as a person who is committed to humanitarian service in his area.”

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He recently received a plaque and lapel pin acknowledging his dedication to the foundation’s humanitarian goals.

“I was very surprised and proud that my fellow Kutztown Lions felt that my involvement in the club has helped to serve our neighbors in Kutztown and surrounding areas,” he said.

As a Melvin Jones Fellow, Fischer becomes a part of the growing network of individuals who are committed to improving the quality of life for people locally and in communities around the world, according to a release.

“Giving back to the community is the main reason why I became a Lion. The Kutztown Lions have been very active in our area for over 70 years and their commitment to doing good deeds has been truly outstanding,” he said. “I am very fortunate to be part of this fine organization and look forward to being a member for many years to come.”

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members. As the charitable arm of the association, LCIF makes grants for community and global projects that meet a wide range of humanitarian needs. LCIF’s programs unites about 46,000 Lions clubs in 205 countries and geographical areas in a worldwide endeavor to significantly reduce preventable blindness.

Fischer, CLU, CHFC, CASL, is president and CEO of Client 1st Financial, LLC of Fogelsville. Recently Client 1st Financial, LLC, was named for the second consecutive year a finalist in John Hancock Financial Network’s “Practice of the Year” competition for the firm’s excellence in practice management and client service.

The award is sponsored by National Financial, the correspondent clearing business unit of Fidelity Investments.

“We congratulate Michael and all of our finalists for their outstanding work serving their clients and managing their firms,” said Brian Heapps, CLU, ChFC, president of John Hancock Financial Network. “JHFN launched Practice of the Year in 2011 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the most well managed practices across our national network. As an added benefit to our entire network, finalists and winner share best practices that helped them achieve such high standards for their clients.”

As part of the selection process, Client 1st Financial underwent an assessment conducted by international management consulting firm Business Health, which reviewed client management, internal planning and structure, external relations, staffing and technology capabilities, and overall practice performance, according to a release.

“Client 1st Financial has a strong commitment to consistent, comprehensive business planning and a clear vision of the future,” said Rod Bertino, principal, Business Health. “Over the past two years, Michael has invested heavily in the firm and is building a strong foundation for the future.”

To be considered, JHFN’s financial professionals and advisors registered and completed Business Health’s HealthCheck, a web-based business assessment tool. Ten semi-finalists were selected to receive a site visit from Business Health in the fall. Business Health and a panel of JHFN and outside experts then narrow the field to one of five finalists. The winner will be announced in January 2013, according to the release.